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Avila sporting a different kind of bruise

Avila sporting a different kind of bruise

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Alex Avila

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CHICAGO -- Alex Avila has a large patch of black and blue on the base of his left hand, the result of a foul tip he took on Wednesday night. But that isn't the main reason he was out of Thursday's starting lineup. Manager Jim Leyland opted for Gerald Laird against Chicago left-hander Chris Sale, though it mattered not after the game was postponed by rain.

Avila said that he could play once he gets treatment. Of course, he always says he can play.

"It's pretty sore today," Avila admitted before batting practice. "I'll try to get it loosened up a little bit."

Of all the various bumps and bruises Avila has had over the last couple of years as Detroit's regular catcher, this is a new one. He said he "messed up a little bit" and didn't flip his hand over to catch the pitch, leaving himself open to a deflection. Still, it's an unusual injury.